Some rushed out to the streets and cried “bhuchal” or earthquake, perhaps hoping to wake others up; others simply lay in bed waiting to see if it there was more to come. Sometimes tremors are a sign of an earthquake far away, and sometimes they precede a stronger earthquake, which can be disastrous. Fortunately, this time, no casualties have been reported.

What should you do the next time you feel a tremor? Stay put or try to leave your house or apartment building?

According to an October article on the World Bank web site, though, 90% of all earthquake fatalities in the world since 1960 have been in Asia. In 2001, an earthquake in Gujarat also killed thousands. In 2005, a massive earthquake with its epicenter in Pakistan’s Kashmir region left more than 70,000 dead. And in 2008, an earthquake in China’s Sichuan region killed a similar number as the Kashmir quake.

Monday’s seismic event is surely not the last earthquake for India or Pakistan, and large cities like Delhi could be disaster-zones thanks to the large population, the large number of buildings of uneven safety standards, and the poor preparedness of local government agencies.

Experts have long been warning that India’s capital is in a zone of seismic activity and that because of construction standards and its large population, fatalities would be high if an earthquake were to be centered here.

The most important thing to do is to protect yourself from falling things.

“Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects,” says the FEMA web site. “Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury.”

If you are in bed, stay there but cover your face and head with a pillow. Get away from glass, windows, light fixtures, china cabinets, wall hangings, bookcases-anything that could fall and crash over you. If possible, get cover under a sturdy table that could protect you from falling objects.

If you are in a high floor of an apartment building, do not rush to leave the building. “Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave,” according to the FEMA web site.

Absolutely do not get into an elevator.

Turn off the kitchen stove, and don’t use matches or candles. The gas line could have been broken and there could be a fire hazard.

If you are outdoors, get away from buildings, electricity and other wires. Try and get cover to protect yourself from falling debris.

If you are in a car, stop and stay inside the vehicle. Again, avoid being near buildings, trees, or other possible falling objects.

Read more tips on the FEMA web site. Did you feel last night’s tremor? Let us know in the Comments section or follow Ms. Anand @shefalianand.

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